News

Having pulmonary hypertension shortens survival in people with scleroderma, also called systemic sclerosis (SSc), according to a Brazilian study that followed patients for up to three years and used a computer algorithm to analyze the results. Specifically, this lower survival rate in SSc patients with pulmonary hypertension was…

Football and science seem to be disparate fields of play at first glance, but the nonprofit Uplifting Athletes is finding common ground by leveraging the popularity of college gridiron games to fund research for rare diseases. Its nearly two dozen chapters — representing college football teams across the nation…

The delayed passage of food waste through the colon — or slow colonic transit — is common and often severe in people with scleroderma, a study has revealed. This condition was more likely in patients with widened blood vessels seen on the skin and less likely in those with…

Altered levels of immune signaling proteins (cytokines) and fat-based hormones in systemic sclerosis (SSc) are associated with changes in body mass, a blood analysis determined. Researchers say their findings suggest that “an abnormal twist … takes place in SSc” between the immune signaling proteins, these hormones, and body mass index or BMI,…

A new study being conducted at the University of Pittsburgh is testing the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in people with scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases. The CoVER study seeks to enroll adults, 18 or older, who have rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, myositis, or…

Sanofi has entered into a merger agreement with Kadmon, which is developing belumosudil (KD025), an oral investigational treatment for people with the diffuse cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). Belumosudil, sold under the brand name Rezurock, was recently approved for patients, 12 years and older, with chronic…

Eight weeks of treatment with a small molecule called paquinimod significantly reduced the number of myofibroblasts — cells that drive scarring — in people with scleroderma, a small clinical trial reported. Findings also suggested that paquinimod may lessen type I interferon (IFN) activity, a relevant scleroderma biomarker, and appeared…

Thirona Bio has partnered with EnZen Therapeutics to accelerate the development of its experimental topical therapy FBM5712 for scleroderma and other conditions associated with scarring (fibrosis). EnZen’s investment in Thirona, part of a convertible promissory note arrangement, may be converted into equity in the long run. The companies…

An enrolling clinical trial is assessing whether a “booster shot” of a COVID-19 vaccine can improve the immune response in people with scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases who did not respond, at all or optimally, to their original COVID-19 vaccine regimen. The study also will test whether temporarily stopping…

Supervised rehabilitation combining a whirlpool bath with active exercises and hand and elbow massages may improve hand and overall function in people with scleroderma, a study from Poland reported. Its findings suggest that a four-week rehabilitation program may be enough for these benefits to last up to six months…